How to Read Amy Waeschle’s Books
If you love fast-paced suspense, strong female protagonists, and vivid natural backdrops, Amy Waeschle is an author you need on your bookshelf. Drawing from her background as a geologist and NOLS wilderness educator, Waeschle crafts thrillers that carry an authentic sense of danger and adventure. She has written two main mystery series, several standalone novels, and non-fiction works, including an acclaimed surf memoir.
To get the most out of her interconnected narratives, we recommend reading her series in chronological order. Here is your ultimate guide on where to start and how to navigate her work.
Cassidy Kincaid Mysteries Reading Order
The Cassidy Kincaid Mysteries follow Dr. Cassidy Kincaid, a geologist and volcano scientist whose research projects frequently collide with dangerous criminal conspiracies. The series takes readers from the volcanic landscapes of Costa Rica to rugged mountain ranges. While each book features a self-contained mystery, Cassidy's personal relationships, emotional healing, and character growth develop continuously across the books.
Recommended Reading Order:
- Meet Me on the Mountain (2018) – Prequel (Book 0.5). A poignant romance and suspense story exploring themes of grief, loss, and connection in the mountains.
- Rescuing Reeve (2018) – Book 1. The first full-length novel in the series. Dr. Cassidy Kincaid travels to Costa Rica to find her missing stepbrother, Reeve, and gets drawn into a dark, local underbelly.
- Finding Izzy Ford (2019) – Book 2. Cassidy faces a new search-and-rescue mystery that tests her scientific expertise and survival instincts.
- Exposing Ethan (2020) – Book 3. Cassidy is pulled into a high-stakes conspiracy where trusting the wrong person could be fatal.
- Cassidy's Crusade (2021) – Book 4. Cassidy takes on her most personal and dangerous investigation yet.
Meg Dawson Murder Mysteries Reading Order
For readers who enjoy investigative journalism and domestic suspense, the Meg Dawson Murder Mysteries are a perfect choice. Meg Dawson is a dedicated investigative reporter who is not afraid to dig into dark secrets, even when the truth strikes dangerously close to home. These books should be read in order to follow Meg's evolving career and personal stakes.
Recommended Reading Order:
- Her Final Mistake (2021) – Book 1. Meg investigates a murder case that starts to blur the lines between her professional duty and personal history.
- Her Final Goodbye (2022) – Book 2. Meg deals with the fallout of past choices while pursuing a new lead that someone wants desperately to keep hidden.
- Her Final Truth (2022) – Book 3. A complex web of secrets unravels as Meg searches for the definitive truth behind a shocking crime.
- Her Final Betrayal (2026) – Book 4. Meg is forced to confront betrayal from those she trusted most while investigating a high-stakes conspiracy.
Amy Waeschle’s Standalone Novels
If you want to experience Waeschle's writing without committing to a series, her standalone contemporary fiction and suspense novels are excellent entry points. These books focus heavily on family dynamics, emotional trauma, and the healing power of adventure.
- Going Over the Falls (2017) – Waeschle's debut fiction novel. It follows Dr. Lorna Jacobs, an emergency room doctor, who attempts to reconnect with her estranged, surf-obsessed mother after discovering she has aggressive cancer.
- Feeding the Fire (2019) – A dramatic and emotional novel exploring the aftermath of heartbreak, past trauma, and how unresolved pain affects new relationships.
- Suitcases and Shadows (2020) – A suspenseful standalone that blends secrets, travel, and personal redemption.
Non-Fiction and Memoirs
Before turning her hand to fiction, Amy Waeschle wrote non-fiction chronicling her outdoor adventures. She has also authored a series of educational books highlighting real-world rescue operations.
- Chasing Waves: A Surfer's Tale of Obsessive Wandering (2009) – A personal surf memoir documenting Waeschle's journey from a novice surfer to riding global waves. A portion of the proceeds from this book supports the Surfrider Foundation.
- Daring Flood Rescues (2018)
- Daring Earthquake Rescues (2018)
- Daring Avalanche Rescues (2018)
- Daring Wildfire Rescues (2018)
What to Know Before You Start
If you are new to Amy Waeschle, the best place to start is either Rescuing Reeve (if you want adventure-based thriller elements with a touch of science) or Her Final Mistake (if you prefer classic investigative murder mysteries). While you can read the prequel Meet Me on the Mountain first, starting with Rescuing Reeve gives a punchier introduction to Dr. Cassidy Kincaid's wilderness adventures before looping back to her backstory.